Atlanta Falcons: Schofield, Alford top defensive second quarter grades
Desmond Trufant: Grade, 92
Previous Grade: 96
Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) celebrates as cornerback Robert Alford (not pictured) returns an interception for a touchdown to win the game in overtime against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 25-19 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Desmond Trufant is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL. There has been games where quarterbacks have not thrown his way, but as of late Trufant hasn’t been as good as we would expect.
Trufant has only had one pass deflection in his last four games and has given up quite a bit of completions. What stands out the most are Trufant’s back-to-back pass interference calls against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers one of which led to a injury.
He isn’t going to be perfect every game so that isn’t a big deal, but he hasn’t been as good as the first four games of the year in which he had five pass deflections. Let’s see how he responds, especially after being called out by the entire San Francisco 49ers team.
Robert Alford: Grade, 83
Previous Grade: 77
Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) returns an intercepted pass against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Alford hasn’t lived up to the hype that Desmond Trufant has brought to Atlanta, but as of late he as been as good as advertised. Alford has been excellent in the last four games and may have the play of the year thus far. Alford picked off Kirk Cousins in overtime and returned it for a touchdown to knock off the Washington Redskins in week 5.
Keep up the good work Alford! We need you!
Jalen Collins: Grade, 75
Jalen Collins: 65
Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) breaks up a pass over Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
After getting of to a rough start to the year, rookie cornerback Jalen Collins has turned things around with solid play. Collins has taken over as the Falcons’ starting nickle corner and has done a terrific job in the last two weeks. Collins’ playing time has increased with each week and is making the most of it.
Collins is still extremely raw and has a long way to go before he meets his full potential but he is well on his way. I was very skeptical of Collins playing a decent amount of snaps, but he has proved me wrong. Let’s hope that continues.
Phillip Adams: Grade, 68
Previous Grade: 74
Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn argues a call with official Tony Veteri (36) as defensive back Phillip Adams (20) watches in the fourth quarter of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
After getting off to an average start, Phillip Adams hasn’t impacted the defense very much. Adams has been replaced in the starting lineup by rookie nickle corner Jalen Collins, and as a result has played very snaps in the last few games.
Adams, however, had to come into the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to replace Desmond Trufant who left with an injury and had a solid game going until a big pass interference call in overtime resulted in a 30 plus yard gain.
Tampa would tack on a field goal as a result and go on to win the game.
Adams isn’t very good, and if he has to be on the field for more than a few plays, the defense takes a hit. Adams is undersized and isn’t a good tracker of the football. It is what it is.